I tasted the Delille Cellars 2014 D2 Bordeaux blend and absolutely loved it. So I was thrilled when the winery sent me the next available vintage this year. Wine geek that I am, of course I wanted to take my notes blind and compare my tasting notes. Oh what a difference a year makes…

PS Just read the 2016 became available earlier this month…*hint hint…please and thank you*

About the Wine: The Delille Cellars 2015 D2 Bordeaux Blend is made from 58% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and “a splash” of Petit Verdot harvested from, as the winery says, “a who’s who list of vineyards in Washington State.”

The grapes were cold soaked for 24 to 36 hours, fermented for 12 to 14 hours on skin, then aged in 100% French oak barrels (55% new) for 18 months.

14.1% ABV

Flavor Profile: The Delille Cellars 2015 D2 Bordeaux Blend emits beautiful aromas of boysenberries, forest floor, and oak wood immediately upon opening. This red blend has a velvet maroon hue on the pour and in the glass. Initial aromas are of chocolate, oak wood, and vanilla. Swirl and release darker fruits like macerated blackberries and boysenberries. Lift the nose away from the glass and get a sense of acidity, adding vivacity to those fruits along with an aura of rusticity with the scent of bramble.

Food Pairing: I paired the Delille Cellars 2015 D2 Bordeaux Blend with a seared halibut on top of a parsnip purée, served with grilled zucchini and a garlic tomato sauce.

First, I have to say that this is a wine to last an evening. Even within the first 30 minutes, the flavors opened up, the tannins calmed down, and the mouthfeel became more pillowy, the flavors more cohesive. This is a lovely wine that can easily pair well with a wide variety of meals. While I’m not sure that this was a perfect pairing, it certainly did pair well. My two favorite elements: the soft texture of the fish along with the texture of the wine after it opened up; the slightly spicy sauce elevated the acidity which then brought life to the fruit elements in the wine.

More Info: I received the Delille Cellars 2015 D2 Bordeaux Blend as a sample for review. Price: $45. For more information about Delille Cellars, their wines, and to purchase wines directly, please visit the Delille Cellars website.

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